Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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I reiterate the importance of fair treatment for DEIS schools. I have sent petitions which came from DEIS schools in County Laois to the Minister's office. They are concerned and want to ensure that they are also included in class size reductions. We must be fair across the board. I sincerely hope that the package to be announced will include reductions in class size.

I welcome the Minister's remarks on improving inclusion and supporting those at risk of disadvantage. I acknowledge that a lot of very good work is being done in this area. Are there plans to reinstate the disadvantage committee, which was set up under the Education Act 1998? It was a fantastic committee. It did great work and was great value for money. I did research on this and introduced a Bill some years ago seeking its reinstatement. It did a lot of work around the DEIS initiatives. If we had this model, we could do more to build on what has already been done to prevent people being trapped in a cycle of disadvantage and ensuring that every child and student in the State reaches his or her full potential, as outlined in the Education Act.

The Minister spoke of well-being supports and mentioned additional supports for school leaders. I seek some clarity and information in this regard. What exactly are these supports?